2013 NAIA Women’s Cross Country Runner of the Week - No. 7

Helker outpaces 252-runner field to earn third NAIA women's cross country weekly award

October 30, 2013

By: Sam Knehans, Communications & Sports Information Intern

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Hannah Helker of Oklahoma Baptist has been named the NAIA Women's Cross Country National Runner of the Week, the national office announced Wednesday. Helker was chosen for her performance during the week of Oct. 21 – 27 and was selected out of a pool of conference and independent award winners.

Helker, a native of Edmond, Okla., bested the 252-runner field at NAIA Mid-States Classic, hosted by Southwestern (Kan.) on Oct. 26 in Winfield, Kan. The junior won the race by covering the 5-kilometer course in 16:18—over a minute faster than her nearest competitor. Led by Helker, the Bison, who had five runners place among the top 20 individuals, brought home the team title, outpacing the 29-team field with a combined 5-kilometer time of 1:29:55.

This is the third 2013 Runner of the Week nod for Helker, who was also honored with the award twice in 2012.